Chapter 3 Watch it
LIAM
The loud pounding bass hit me first, as I pushed open the doors to the club. The flashing lights painted everything in shades of red and blue, shadows flickering like they were alive. This was once my comfort scene, before the hospitals and the rehab, but tonight wasn’t about that. It was about escaping, escaping the expectations, the pitying looks, and the constant reminder that my life wasn’t mine anymore.
"Finally," Ryan called over the music as he approached me, his usual cocky grin firmly in place. My brother, my best friend, my wingman. He was all of those things, wrapped up in one too-charming package. "Thought you’d chicken out."
I snorted, running a hand through my hair. “Not a chance.”
Ryan slapped me on the back, making me want to punch his hands off. I wasn’t a fan of physical touch. A handshake or a light back on my back was enough for me. “Good. Because you’ve been acting like a goddamn hermit. Time to shake it off, man. Have a drink, find a distraction, and remember who you are.” He laughed, downing a bottle of beer
I didn’t need reminding. I was Liam Carter, the NHL’s golden boy. Or at least I had been before my knee decided to betray me and take everything with it. Ten months off the ice had turned me into a headline for all the wrong reasons: Can Carter Make a Comeback? Is the Golden Boy Tarnished for Good?
I shook my head, trying to shove the thoughts aside as Ryan handed me a drink. The burn of whiskey down my throat was a welcome distraction, a sharp reminder that I was still here, still standing and still very much, not broken.
“Tell me you’re ready to let loose tonight,” Ryan said, smirking as he surveyed the room like a predator.
“Ready enough,” I replied, taking another sip. The truth was, I didn’t feel ready for anything, not the game in three months, not the so-called babysitter my coach insisted I needed, not even this damn party.
But I was tired of feeling like I was on the sidelines of my own life. So, I followed Ryan deeper into the crowd, the heat and noise swallowing us whole and I knew if there was any distraction that could work, it’d be here.
The women were beautiful, the drinks were flowing and the night stretched out before me like a beautiful red carpet, waiting for me to dive right in.
“Eyes on the prize, Carter,” Ryan said, elbowing me with a grin as a blonde in a tight dress sauntered past.
I didn’t answer, my mind already slipping away to the same place it always went lately: the weight of expectations, the pressure to prove myself, the nagging fear that I wouldn’t measure up and most especially all the work I had to put in to make everyone eat their words and thoughts.
I took another sip, letting the whiskey numb the edges of my thoughts. Tonight wasn’t about them. Tonight was about me.
Even if I had no idea what that meant anymore.
The got louder as we made our way further into the club.
“Alright, so here’s the deal. A friend of mine is on her way and she’s bringing someone with her. Perfect chance for you to loosen up and… you know.” Ryan yelled into my ears, his voice loud enough to ruin my eardrums
I narrowed my eyes at him, as my steps slowed down. “What the hell, Ryan? I don’t need a setup. And I sure as hell don’t need someone recognizing me.”
“Relax, man. It’s a masquerade. No one’s gonna recognize you.” He said rolling his eyes and throwing an arm around my shoulders. “Besides, you haven’t been in the spotlight for a while. You’re yesterday’s news.”
I glared at him, but his grin only widened. “Not helping,” I muttered, taking another sip of my whiskey.
“Come on, man. Live a little. It’s just a party. No one’s keeping scores here.” He says
We stopped near the bar, and I looked around. The masks, the lights, the anonymity, everything here all blended into a chaotic blur. Maybe he was right. Maybe I was overthinking this.
I sighed, letting the tension in my shoulders ease a little.
“Fine. But don’t expect me to play nice.” I gulped more drink, shaking my head.
At least I won’t have to go through the stage of flirting, not that I didn’t enjoy it. But right now, I want down for some conversations.
Ryan tapped me on the back, laughing. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”
He ordered another round of drinks, and I downed mine in a single gulp, the burn spreading through my chest. If I was doing this, I was going to be doing it right.
As I stood there, waiting for Ryan’s friend to show up, I shifted on my feet, the crowd pressing in around me. The heat, the noise, it was all starting to dissolve in me. As I turned, trying to move to a quieter spot, I collided with someone.
“Watch it,” a sharp voice snapped.
I glanced down and froze. She was shorter than me, barely reaching my chest, but the way she tilted her chin up made it clear she wasn’t intimidated. Her bLack mask covered just enough of her face to make her expression unreadable, but her lips painted a deep, rich brown, were set in a firm line that screamed annoyed and disgusted.
For someone who wasn’t watching her way, she had some nerves to be carrying that expression.
“You bumped into me,” I shot back.
She raised an eyebrow, folding her arms over her chest. The motion drew my attention, and I couldn’t help but notice the way her blue corset hugged her curves and fuck, those boobs.
“Maybe if you watched where you were going, this wouldn’t have happened,” she said.
I let out a humorless laugh, stepping back. “Right. Because it’s my fault this place is packed like a sardine can.”
Her lips twitched like she was about to say something else, but then she shook her head and turned away. “Whatever. Just watch yourself next time.”
I stood there, staring after her as she disappeared into the crowd. My chest tightened, frustration bubbling to the surface. I downed the rest of my drink, willing the alcohol to smooth the edges of my last patience.
Ryan appeared beside me, with his grin as annoying as ever. “What was that about?” he asked, looking into the crowd.
“Nothing,” I muttered, as I tightened my grip on the empty glass.
“Sure didn’t look like nothing.”
I ignored him, signaling for another drink. Tonight was supposed to be about forgetting, not adding to my list of irritations.
Damn that rude girl with the fine tits
“Relax,” Ryan said, clinking his glass against mine. “We’re just getting started.”
I nodded, but my thoughts were elsewhere, lingering on the fire in her voice, the challenge in her eyes, and the way she walked away like she owned the damn room. Fuck!